Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm, IF-ED

The Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is a versatile telephoto zoom with plenty of reach without moving into the size and weight of Nikon's larger professional telephotos.

The 70-300mm range covers everything from portraits and events through to sport, wildlife, travel and distant details. On a Nikon DX digital camera, the narrower field of view gives you the equivalent of approximately 105-450mm on a 35mm camera.

Autofocus is handled by Nikon's built-in Silent Wave Motor, rather than relying on a focusing motor in the camera body. The lens also includes VR II Vibration Reduction, designed to help reduce the effects of camera shake when shooting handheld.

Two ED glass elements are used in its 17-element optical design, while internal focusing means the lens doesn't change length as it focuses.

Importantly, this lens was designed for both digital and film photography. Nikon specifically introduced it for Nikon DX digital SLRs and 35mm film SLR cameras, so it's a useful bridge between later Nikon film and DSLR systems. 

Best for

• Wildlife
• Sports
• Travel
• Portraits
• Events
• Distant subjects
• Nikon DSLR photography
• Nikon 35mm film photography
• Handheld telephoto shooting
• Anyone wanting more reach without a large professional f/2.8 telephoto

What to expect

At 70mm, you've got a useful short-telephoto view for portraits and general photography. At 300mm, there's considerably more reach for wildlife, sport and distant subjects.

The maximum aperture changes as you zoom, from f/4.5 at 70mm to f/5.6 at 300mm. Nikon's VR II system helps compensate for camera movement when shooting handheld, with Nikon rating the system at up to approximately four stops under its test conditions.

This lens has its autofocus motor built into the lens. That's what the AF-S designation refers to. It makes autofocus compatibility considerably broader across Nikon DSLR bodies than older screw-drive AF lenses, although exact camera compatibility should still be checked for a particular body.